BY AMIDU ARIJE
When on March, 5 this year, the family of Adelere Nurudeen was blessed with a baby boy, their joy knew no bounds. The father was excited that a child that would continue to uphold his name has been born, so, the mention of the family’s name would remain on the lips of people even after he must have gone. The mother was beaming with laughter as the feat would be recorded against her name.
Families, neighbours and friends, therefore, applied no caution as they jubilate and showered gifts on the child and mother even before the naming ceremony day.
“He was one child that we have longed for over some time and his coming really made us glad,” recalled Nurudeen, the father. So, the baby’s arrival was a big relief for them.
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It was not a surprise, therefore, that enough fund was lavished on the naming of the child eight days after. The newborn was named Muhammad, after the holy prophet in the Holy Quran.
Everything was going on well until some weeks after the naming ceremony. Baby Muhammad according to his father, took ill and was taken to a Primary Health Centre around the parents’ home.
The parents took the symptoms to be that of malaria but were alarmed when at the hospital, the baby’s condition could not be addressed. They were referred to Alimosho General Hospital from where they were asked to take the child to the Lagos State Teaching Hospital, Ikeja. Their fear became worse when at LASUTH, they were still asked to go to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, (LUTH).
It was at LUTH that they got the shock of their life. The baby, according to his father was subjected to some tests and the results of the tests carried out showed that he is suffering from a heart disease. He was, thereafter, admitted at the hospital for eight days.
Narrating the story to The Nigerian Xpress, Nurudeen said:
“It all happened about some weeks ago. Although right from birth, we noticed that he was not breathing well. We observed that the breathing was abnormal but our grandma told us that it was the normal way of newborn babies, so we just relaxed. After a while however, it became more difficult for him to breathe, so, we decided to take him to a primary health centre from there we went to Alimosho General Hospital, LASUTH and LUTH before we were able to know what the problem is. We spent eight days at LUTH and after several analysis, it was discovered that he has pulmonary hypertension and that he is going to need surgery.”
A letter signed by a Consultant Pediatrician/ Pediatric Cardiologist, Dr O.J Sokunbi confirming the situation of baby Muhammad reads thus:
“Clinic evaluation stated that Muhammad has symptomatic congenital heart disease, which was confirmed by echo cardiology to be Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection (infra cardiac type) with dilated right atrium, right ventricle and mild pulmonary hypertension.
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Muhammad will require further cardiovascular evaluation and possible open heart surgery to correct his heart defects in order to forestall irreversible and life threatening complications.
This letter, therefore, serves as an introduction of the patient for any assistance that will facilitate surgical intervention at a centre with facilities for cardiac surgery”.
A disturbed Nurudeen wants Nigerians to come to the family’s aid to save the life of their beloved son, Muhammad.
“The cost of a corrective surgery at Babcock University is said to be estimated at ₦2.7M. I know that Nigerians are generous and sympathetic, that is why I am requesting that they extend their kind gesture to help save my son,” he said.
Please forward your contributions to the account below:
Account Name: Adelere Adeniyi Nurudeen
Account number: 0007695235
Bank: Union Bank
Mr Adelere can be reached on: 08038321223